Ben Scott

Pharm.D. Candidate, Class of 2013

Education History:

Following graduation from high school in 2007 in Greeley, Colorado, I attended the University of Wyoming and completed two years of pre-pharmacy coursework before being accepted into the UW School of Pharmacy.

Why did you want to attend the UW School of Pharmacy?

My dad graduating from the University of Wyoming played a role in the decision, but mostly I liked the atmosphere at the UW School of Pharmacy. What makes the school so great is the small community, both in Laramie and the school itself. The teachers know every student and are invested in their education and success. The older students are readily available and willing to help mentor and teach the newer students. I ultimately felt that at the UW School of Pharmacy I would be able to be an individual, not just another student in the crowd.

Student activities:

Being active in the student organizations is one of the best parts of being in pharmacy school. The student organizations provide a great medium to meet your fellow classmates as well as older pharmacy students. The student organizations all provide many opportunities to become involved in the community and help patients throughout Laramie and the state of Wyoming. Through these opportunities, you can practice and develop the skills and knowledge learned in class and gain valuable practical experience. The student organizations also provide opportunities to attend regional and national meetings.

Experiences while at UW and the School of Pharmacy:

I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at the UW School of Pharmacy. I have been provided with many opportunities to learn and grow, not only as a future pharmacist, but as a person. I have made many friends, and I know that I have received a great education. I definitely made the right choice when I decided to go to the University of Wyoming.

Advice for prospective students considering the UW School of Pharmacy:

I have two pieces of advice for future pharmacy students: pharmacy school goes by faster than you think, and always take some time to relax and enjoy yourself. Pharmacy school can be stressful, but if you don’t take time to relax, spend time with friends, and do things non-school related, you might burn yourself out. Four additional years of school seems like a lot, but it will go by very quickly; make sure to enjoy pharmacy school while you’re there.

What has been the most challenging part of being on rotations vs. being on campus?

The most challenging part of rotations for me has been learning to manage my time properly. While on campus, I was able to focus on classes and studying—that was my job. On rotations, I have had to work and complete the daily duties required at each of my sites, in addition to any assignments, presentations, quizzes, or projects that were also assigned to me by my preceptors. I do feel that with each rotation I am able to better manage my time and learn more about what it’s like working as a pharmacist.

How have your experiences on rotations helped you make decisions about your future goals?

My rotations have reinforced my desire to do a residency and then work as a clinical pharmacist. I have spoken to many pharmacists who have completed residencies themselves and each one has told me how much they enjoyed doing a residency and how much it helped them. I have found a few areas of interest (cardiology and critical care) that I would like to pursue during my residency, and a few areas I would not like to pursue. I have also been able to experience psychology and infectious disease, which I had not previously been interested in, but found that I enjoyed those areas as well.

Future goals:

My future goals are to go on and complete a PGY1 residency. After I complete my residency, I hope to either continue my education with a PGY2 residency or return to the northern Colorado area and work as a clinical pharmacist. I would also like to become board certified, though I am not sure yet in what specialty.